Today, there are too many children living with little or no hope for their future. What can be sadder that that? Yet, there is something that can be done to help these kids so they can thrive and have a brighter future.

The quality of a community is often measured by its commitment to its youth to ensure that they have a future filled with hope and possibility. In Fort Dodge, we can and must make this commitment. Since 1956, United Way has stayed strong to its mission of raising local dollars to support programs and organizations that help children in low income families right here in Fort Dodge and Webster County. This mission continues today, but with even greater urgency.

The recent 2020 census shows that one out six households in Fort Dodge is living at or below the poverty level and one out of five children and adolescents are living in a home that is struggling with poverty. Today, more families find themselves facing housing insecurities and food insecurities. Deciding which basic need to pay for is a real problem. It is estimated that 9 percent of households in Fort Dodge and Webster County are spending at least half of their monthly income on housing costs alone. This leaves little for the other basic living necessities such as food, transportation, clothing and health care.

United Way of Greater Fort Dodge continues to be here with a helping hand and offering hope. This year, United Way support will be focused on helping children and their families in six key areas: 1) Preventing homelessness; 2) Food assistance; 3) Basic living needs; 4) Mental health for youth; 5) Emergency support; and 6) Family stability.

Working with our partner agencies, United Way supports critical services and programs that are touching the lives of hundreds of children and adolescents. Every dollar donated to United Way stays here in Fort Dodge and Webster County and is used efficiently and effectively to lift up our kids and help them achieve, grow and develop in healthy and positive ways. This has been one of the highest priorities of the United Way since our beginning.

United Way has always believed that when we help our youth and invest in their success, we are building a stronger community for tomorrow. Knowing our youth have the resources to reach their fullest potential gives us great hope that better days are yet to come with our next generation of workers, parents and community leaders.

For more information about United Way and this year’s campaign, visit our website at www.unitedwayfd.org.

United Way of Greater Fort Dodge depends solely on the generosity of caring citizens who make thoughtful donations as an investment in our youth. To donate to the United Way campaign, checks can be made payable to United Way of Greater Fort Dodge and mailed to our office at 24 N. Ninth St., Suite B, Fort Dodge, IA, 50501.

Julie Piton is the program coordinator of the United Way of Greater Fort Dodge.